STUART ARMSTRONG believes Andrew and Graeme Shinnie make Inverness tick – but still hopes to bring his fellow Aberdonians back down to earth in today’s Tannadice tussle.

The Dundee United midfielder is a big fan of the Shinnie siblings who also hail from the Granite City where they all grew up together dreaming of making the big breakthrough.

Scotland star Andrew along with Caley Thistle captain Graeme have been instrumental in Terry Butcher’s on-song side surging to second-top in the SPL – with just one defeat in their last 16 games overall.

But Arabs ace Armstrong, who is also making a name for himself, aims to have the last laugh as United bid to move within two points of the high-flying Highlander’s.

Armstrong said: “The Shinnie brothers are really good. I know them both from our home town and they’ve been getting a lot of good reviews this season for their performances.

“I know Graeme quite well because I was at the same boys club and I trained with Rangers along with Andrew for a while so I know him too.

“They’ve been key to Inverness’ form this season. Andrew in particular is a very good player off the front. Graeme is equally as good and being captain so young is great for him.

“I’ve always thought Andrew was a good player, even when I was younger. He has a great touch, great awareness and I think he’s maybe a cut above the rest. I definitely looked to take some things from him as he did things worth noting.

“It will obviously be nice to see them but hopefully they won’t be celebrating come the final whistle.”